At the ripe age of eleven budding goalkeeper Sophie Tobin dreams of one day representing her country and showing her wares at the highest level.

Advertise with News of The Area today.
It’s worth it for your business.
Message us.
Phone us – (02) 4981 8882.
Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au

The Osterley schoolgirl will take her first steps towards realising that dream when she tours Fiji this month with the Australian Under 11 Girls Futsal squad.

Sophie will wear the goalkeeping gloves for Australia when the team competes at the Fiji Viti Invitational tournament from July 13 to 23 in Suva.

A talented goal-stopper with sharp reflexes and instincts, the rising Tobin is super-excited to put on the green and gold colours on the international stage.

“I am so proud and honoured to be a part of this Australian Under 11s Futsal squad,” a beaming Sophie told News Of The Area.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to play against the best Fijian players in my age group and learn more about their interesting culture,” quipped the Year Six Hinton Public School student.

“Our team will go into camp together and train hard in our positions to build our combinations before the tournament gets underway,” she added.

Sophie gained selection in the Australian team after stand out performances for Northern NSW at the National Schools Futsal Under 10 Championships at Brisbane’s Nissen Arena last October.

The promising keeper impressed selectors with top displays – pulling off several spectacular saves to help Northern NSW finish runners up to eventual champions ACT.

Sophie began her outdoor soccer journey with the Seaham Bowthorne Football Club at the age of four before joining the Maitland Magpies in the Newcastle Junior Development League last season.

She continues to hone her skills three days a week – twice with the Magpies’ Under 11s squad and one session at the Goldman Goalkeepers Academy under the tutelage of Newcastle Jets A-League women’s coach Andrew Goldman and former Jets keeper Claire Coelho.

In recognition of her national team selection, teaching staff and pupils at Hinton Public School celebrated the achievement by holding a Green and Gold Day function on Monday in Sophie’s honour.

The exciting prospect’s immediate goal is to help Australia bring home the Fiji FUTSAL Cup and maybe one day turn out for our treasured Matildas.

By Chris KARAS